PUBLIC SERVICE SALARIES

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1923, Page 3

PUBLIC SERVICE SALARIES

HE PLY TO MR MASSEY. [BY TKI.KOItAPir —I’EU l'lt'ESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Arn.v 7. Mr Aliller, General Secretary to the Public Service Association, when shown the Prime Minister's reply to the criticism of tho latter’s remarks in regard to salaries in fho public service, made immediately prior to the Onmarii bye-election, said the Prime Minister lias shown either lamentable ignorance or is mis-stating tlie position. Mr Miller says that the £9s' was the gross salary increase to which he refers was never granted in the form of bonus. Forty-live pounds of the amount was granted as an amendment of the salary scale secured at a general regrading of the Public Service in 1919, and it was obtained unconditionally. The remaining £SO was granted us’n result of pressure brought to bear by the Association, and our main effort was to secure this increase by way of salary and not as a bonus. Ibis was conceded by the representatives of the Government appointed to deal with as that the 1920 salary. That the increase was subject to a reduction in the event of tho cost of living falling was understood bv the Public* Service delegates, but the Prime Minister has consistently alleged that any reductions were to be determined by the position of the three food groups. This association has repeatedly challenged him on this point and has stated publicly that it was prepared to stand or fall on the report from the Uniformity Committee! The fact that Mr Massey has failed to produce the report is significant. The Association is more fortunate ill regard to the increase.-,, however, for it has signed an agrement as to tho amount and officers to whom it slml. apply, and also that such increases were to he merged in salary by a Legislative enactment which was actually carried out.